Latest posts - Steinbuhler keyboard

Follow my journey with my new Steinbuhler 7/8 reduced size keyboard at Musical Musings.

Getting Used to the Steinbuhler Smaller Piano Keyboard

        There is always a fear of the unknown and stepping out into any new paradigm. I knew I would have to jump into the world of adapting between two instrument sizes, like switching between violin and viola.  I had read the research of Dr. Carol Leone and other researchers who said it only takes an accomplished pianist about 2 weeks to learn to switch back and forth.

        The size of an octave on a 7/8 is about the size of a 7th on a full-sized piano. I found that to be the most challenging switch. I play for a church regularly and I started running through those pieces at home. There were some Sunday mornings when the first few octaves I intended to play came out as 7ths during the pre-service rehearsal. This occurred mostly in the left hand. It usually lasted for a minute before my brain fixes it. The time lapse reduced over a few weeks where I could switch back and forth.

        The ultimate test came when I accepted a challenge and a gig for a friend who is performing his graduate recital this spring. The piece that is requested is the Prokofiev Violin Sonata no. 2. I have to admit that I have not played any of Prokofiev's works in my recitals, but I was up to taking on this project since I have to the time to practice. The first question was whether I was going to learn the piece on a full-sized keyboard, which, of course, I would have to perform on eventually. I decided I was going to learn and practice this piece solely on my 7/8 Steinbuhler DS Standard. Prokofiev's composition has wide spacings and some awkward passages for the piano. I would not say it was an easy piece to read or learn.

           We had our first rehearsal in December to get a rough idea of what we had to concentrate on. The rehearsal was on a rather uncooperative grand piano and a cold room. I found out quickly how much I had to adjust from the 7/8 to a full-sized piano. The answer was NOT MUCH.

          I observed that I had learned the piece more securely than I thought. Because of this security, I was able to make those wide leaps and play with greater confidence and accuracy. I wondered why this was the case. I come to the conclusion that I had learned the piece in a relaxed manner, with little tension and in the most ergonomic positions possible. This taught my muscles to return quickly to its optimal stage after every stretch or leap. I had to adjust the degree and speed of movement for leaps and wide chords.

          When I played on a full-sized piano, I finally realized how uncomfortable it was to play octaves. I could feel a difference with my stamina and level of muscle fatigue when playing on these different keyboards. It makes me wonder what it would have been like if I practiced all my graduate recitals on the 7/8 especially Brahms, Beethoven and Chopin.

            I hope more and more small-handed pianists have the opportunity to try out these Steinbuhler keyboards. It is a world of difference and it has definitely rekindled my love for playing.

Now, onto teaching children on the 7/8 keyboard. That is for another post ... Stay tuned!





 

Group Piano Classes

Discover Piano Class for Children Announcing beginner piano classes for ages 5 and 6. Start your little one's journey into discovering music and piano. Digital pianos and fun activities for student-centered learning. All materials will be provided. One week "camp" in July with continuing course in the fall. Enrollment is limited. Please email for more information.

Piano for Leisure for AdultsHave you always wanted to learn to play the piano? Interested to engage in music making for leisure? Perhaps you have taken lessons in the past and want to rekindle your love for the piano. Learn to play tunes and melodies familiar to you. Stay motivated and connected with others pursuing the same goals of making music. Course will beginning in the fall and enrollment is limited. Please email for more information.

Collaborative Pianist Services, Oklahoma City, OK

If you are looking for a collaborative pianist/accompanist for your next recital or upcoming juries, I have experience accompanying vocalists and instrumentalists (strings, low brass and woodwinds mainly). I have served as the staff accompanist for several choirs and accompanied for some studios. I do have openings for the spring semester 2013, just in time for juries.

Costs:
1. $20 non-refundable retainer fee that is applied to the first rehearsal.
2. $40 an hour/$20 per half hour for rehearsals, lessons, or recital hearings.
3. $25 per jury (This includes warm up and rehearsing your piece before your jury, wait times and your jury.)
4. $60 per recital hearing.
5. $120 per recital (This includes 1 hr rehearsal time immediately before your recital and the recital itself.)
6. The above figures are negotiable. I will work with you and discuss a payment fair to both of us.


Things to note:
1. I take collaboration seriously so that you can achieve your musical goals. In light of that, there will be a simple contract between you and I. This will ensure a smooth working relationship between us.
2. A retainer fee of $20 is non-refundable and is payable when music is given to me. This will be credited towards the first rehearsal.
3. Clean copies of music should be given to me at least 2 weeks in advance of the first rehearsal. Six weeks would be required for more substantial pieces. If possible, please indicate these on your scores: metronome tempos, repeats, cuts and other edits.
4. Rehearsals or lessons should be scheduled a week in advance. Cancellations must be given 24 hrs in advance, unless in case of emergency or illness. If not, you will be billed.
5. I will also keep to the same 24 hrs notification. If you have already paid for the time, you will receive a credit or reimbursement.
6. Full payment is required at the last rehearsal prior to the performance event (jury or recital).
7. I can come to rehearsals at your college/university or you are welcome to rehearse at my home studio. There is no extra charge for mileage within the greater Oklahoma City area.
8. Termination - Please give me written notice that you no longer need my services along with whatever payment is owed. (Email is acceptable.) Failure to inform me will result in full charges for the performance event.

Please contact me at glojet@gmail.com for more information.

Steinbuhler DS 7/8 Smaller Piano Keyboard

Last fall, I purchased a Kawai piano that is equipped with a Steinbuhler DS 7/8 smaller keyboard (DS Standard™). This is a smaller keyboard than a standard size. I first encountered this keyboard at the MTNA National Convention in Kansas City when I was still a graduate student. When I played the pianos at the exhibit, I sight-read music that had intervals of a 10th and I dreamed of owning such a keyboard. I didn't even imagine the remotest possibility of privately owning one. I had hoped I would work for an educational institution who would.

My hand span is 7 3/8" (full disclosure) and reaching anything beyond an octave is uncomfortable. I have been very blessed that I have not developed any performance related injuries after many recitals. There have been many pieces that I have performed over the years which my hand span put me at a disadvantage. There are so only many wide chords that one can arpeggiate without losing the feel of the meter, not to mention hand fatigue.

I started watching the piano ads just for fun over the summer and came across an advertisement for a Kawai grand piano at an antique store. It took me a little while to figure out that it had been fitted with a reduced size keyboard. The sale price was a great bargain as the cost of the keyboard far exceeded the asking price. After a few weeks of talking to my husband about it, I suggested we take a 40 minute drive to look at the piano. If it was offered to me below a certain price and if it is good shape, we would seriously consider buying it. We made an appointment to see it.

In short, we saw the piano, I played it and the store made us an offer. My husband measured the piano properly so that we could brainstorm how to fit the piano in our house. There was also a note from the previous owner of the piano which really made me think hard. This piano needs a good home. I told the seller that we had to take a week to consider it. We went home and slept on it.. for five days, until the seller called to make us another offer. No one else would understand/appreciate the value this keyboard. We took the offer the next day, sent her a down payment and made arrangements for it to be moved to our home. There's nothing quite like the excitement of watching a grand piano delivered to my home!

The piano finish needed no work and it still looks like a brand new piano. The hammers showed some wear, the strings needed a cleaning and a good tuning (or two!). We had David Bonham service the piano because that was who the previous owner suggested. It still needs regulation and voicing. As soon as that is done, the piano will be ready for showings.

In my next post, I'll share some of my observations when making the transition to my new 7/8 keyboard.